Camera Control Apparatus for Seamless PTZ Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
In network camera systems with multiple cameras, changing over to another camera when the viewing angle is reached is cumbersome, especially on devices with small display screens, due to the complexity of managing multiple cameras and their positions.
Innovation Solution
A camera control apparatus that includes a determination unit to assess if a camera operation exceeds its viewable angle and a display control unit to show relevant camera information on a terminal device, allowing users to easily switch to another camera for continuous shooting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If map information displaying entire shooting area is used for camera selection, then camera coverage is complete, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate on small display devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the camera selection interface into two segments: a list view showing individual camera options with their current status, and a map view showing spatial relationships. Users can switch between these segments based on their needs, avoiding the complexity of displaying all information simultaneously on small screens.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a temporal dimension to camera selection by showing the timing of last camera operations alongside spatial information. This allows users to understand camera usage patterns over time while selecting cameras, providing additional context without requiring more screen space.
2Loss of information
If list view of all cameras is displayed for camera selection, then camera information is complete, but ease of operation deteriorates on small display devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the camera information display multi-functional by integrating multiple types of information (camera ID, status, location, timing) into a compact format that serves both as a list view for selection and as a status monitor. This universal display reduces the need for separate screens or detailed views.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the most essential camera information for display on small screens, such as camera ID, current status, and basic location. Detailed information is available on-demand or in a separate expanded view, allowing the main interface to remain simple and easy to operate.
3Productivity
If multiple camera information is displayed simultaneously, then camera switching is facilitated, but ease of operation deteriorates due to small display area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic camera information display that automatically adjusts its content and layout based on the current context, such as which camera is active, how many cameras are available, and the user's recent actions. This dynamic adaptation maintains simplicity while facilitating quick camera switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-calculating and displaying camera recommendations or frequently used cameras before the user needs to select them. This allows users to quickly access commonly needed cameras without having to search through all available options, improving switching speed while maintaining interface simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A camera control system having a terminal device connected to a plurality of cameras via a network is provided. In response to an operation that exceeds a maximum control value (maximum control angle) of the PTZ of a camera that is the target of control, the terminal device displays peripheral camera information, which corresponds to a shooting direction in which the operation has been requested, together with video shot by the camera being controlled. The peripheral camera information includes installation camera position information, viewable angle information, control status information and peripheral map information as well as at least one item of captured video from a camera other than the camera being controlled.